Category: Software

  • iOS 18.3 Update Fixes Major Criticism of Apple Intelligence

    iOS 18.3 Update Fixes Major Criticism of Apple Intelligence

    Apple is in the process of releasing iOS 18.3, which is a 1.8 GB update that brings a variety of new features. Most of these updates are focused on Apple Intelligence, which is currently only accessible on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro, and just for users in the USA at this moment. The launch of Apple Intelligence in Europe is anticipated to coincide with the arrival of iOS 18.4, set for April.

    Key Improvements

    This update largely focuses on enhancements to Notification Summaries, which faced significant backlash last year due to AI-generated misinformation. With iOS 18.3, users can now modify the Notification Summary settings directly on their lock screens. A fresh icon has been introduced, making it simpler for users to differentiate between summaries and standard notifications. For now, news apps will be left out of the summaries to prevent the spread of misleading headlines.

    New Features and Fixes

    Visual Intelligence has been upgraded to allow users to create calendar entries simply by scanning a poster or flyer with their iPhone camera. Additionally, it can now identify and label animals and plants. The calculator app has also received a handy new feature that lets users repeat a calculation by tapping the equal sign again. This update addresses various issues in the keyboard and music app as well. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence will automatically activate for anyone who is new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, meaning that users who prefer not to use this feature will need to turn it off themselves via the “Settings” and “Apple Intelligence & Siri” options.

    Conclusion

    Apple is making strides with the iOS 18.3 update, focusing on user experience and feedback. While some features are limited to specific devices and regions for now, the company is clearly working towards broader availability in the near future. Users should keep an eye on these developments and be prepared to manage their settings accordingly.

    Tags: , ,
  • Pixelfed, Loops, Sup: Crowdfunding Alternatives to Instagram, TikTok

    Pixelfed, Loops, Sup: Crowdfunding Alternatives to Instagram, TikTok

    Pixelfed, Loops, and Sup are three emerging open-source options meant to compete with major social media platforms like Threads, X, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. They recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to boost their growth. These platforms operate on the ActivityPub protocol, which also supports Mastodon and is seen as foundational to the open social web. By intentionally steering clear of algorithms for managing content, the developers hope to sidestep filter bubbles and foster a more user-focused social networking experience. Notably, Pixelfed has climbed to the top of the download charts on both the Google Play Store and iOS AppStore. However, since these platforms do not rely on ads, developers depend on voluntary community contributions to manage their operational expenses.

    A Successful Start

    Recently, the team kicked off their Kickstarter campaign to hasten the development process and introduce new features. The initial response was incredible: they surpassed their original funding goal of C$50,000 in just 13 hours. By the end of the first weekend, they had already secured over C$100,000 (which is nearly $70,000).

    Ambitious Plans Ahead

    The campaign has set its sights on high ambitions. Alongside speeding up the development of Pixelfed and Loops for web, iOS, and Android, they are also planning to create Sup, an alternative to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat. Additionally, they aim to enhance areas like moderation, security, data protection, and youth protection, while also translating the platforms into various languages. Other stretch goals include hiring full-time developers, establishing a cloud/CDN platform for the Fediverse, and creating a Pixelfed Foundation as a legal entity.

    Commitment to Ethical Principles

    The creators of Pixelfed, Loops, and Sup adhere to the “Ethical Web Principles” advocated by W3C and respectfulplatforms.org. These principles emphasize fostering a healthy community and culture of discussion, safeguarding privacy, upholding freedom of speech, and ensuring the accuracy of information.

    Pixelfed, Loops, and Sup are being presented as promising alternatives in the social media landscape, standing in contrast to the mainstream platforms with their dedication to open-source, decentralization, and ethical values. The current success of their Kickstarter campaign highlights a growing interest in social networks that prioritize user needs and contribute to a more open and democratic online environment.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Solus 4.7: New Software Center and Better Video Card Support

    Solus 4.7: New Software Center and Better Video Card Support

    Previously called Evolve OS, Solus is a pretty unique Linux distribution that focuses on 64-bit hardware and is built on the Linux kernel, offering a variety of desktop environments. Currently, there are four desktop choices included in the official images. Just released yesterday, Solus 4.7 Endurance runs on the 6.12.9 kernel, an upgrade from the 6.10.13 seen in version 4.6. Notable improvements in this version include better support for video cards and the replacement of the solus-sc (Solus Software Center) package manager with a new one that has Flatpak support.

    Kernel Options

    Moreover, it’s worth noting that users who prefer a Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel can opt for Solus that runs on the 6.6.70 kernel. Soon, the distribution will transition to the 6.12.x kernel series. Here are the key software packages that have been updated in the latest release:

    Desktop Choices and System Requirements

    The four options available on the official downloads page include: Solus Plasma, Solus Xfce-Beta, Solus GNOME, and Solus Budgie. Their file sizes range from 2.8 GB to 3.2 GB, and the system requirements are quite manageable, starting at less than 10 GB of disk space and requiring 4 GB of RAM. As previously stated, only 64-bit processors are supported.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • EcoFlow Launches Paywall for Premium Power Solution Features

    EcoFlow Launches Paywall for Premium Power Solution Features

    EcoFlow is one of the well-known brands in the energy solutions market, providing products like power stations and solar panels. The company doesn’t just focus on batteries; it also offers a variety of devices packed with smart functionalities. These gadgets can show the power output or connect with an app for added convenience. When customers buy a product, they currently get access to all smart features without having to pay extra. However, reports suggest that this may soon change, as indicated by a statement from EcoFlow.

    Changes to Smart Features

    Some of the smart features in the app will have a golden diamond symbol to signify their premium status. Pricing information for certain features has been released. For instance, intelligent power management is expected to cost at least €3.99 (US$4.19). However, details on how long a subscription might last are still unclear. It’s evident that using these premium features will not be cheap; accessing one feature on multiple devices could potentially cost consumers up to €70 (US$74).

    Confirmation of Paid Features

    In response to questions from the German media outlet Appgefahren, EcoFlow has seemingly acknowledged its intentions to launch paid features. The company stated that, while there are no additional fees at the moment, future products may come with charges. EcoFlow has not provided specific information about the scope and pricing of these upcoming services.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • OnePlus Phone Gets BeaconLink Feature for Calls Without Signal

    OnePlus Phone Gets BeaconLink Feature for Calls Without Signal

    OnePlus has unveiled the latest OxygenOS 15.0.0.500 specifically for the OnePlus 12R. This new software version will be accessible in regions such as IN, EU, GLO, and NA. Users must already be operating OxygenOS 15 to install this update; those still on OxygenOS 14 cannot upgrade directly. While the changelog might not be very long, it does include some significant improvements.

    New Features Included

    Among the new features, there are two standout additions: BeaconLink and Touch to Share. With BeaconLink, users can make calls without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. However, it’s important to note that both users must have compatible phones to utilize this feature. Official sources state that the connection range is less than 500 m (1,640 ft), making it handy in situations where mobile networks are congested, like busy events. This functionality is not limited to OnePlus devices, as it is also available on select Oppo smartphones.

    Enhancements and Security Updates

    The second key feature listed in the changelog is Touch to Share, which enables the OnePlus 12R to transfer files and photos to iOS devices. The company has also announced improvements to system stability to enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, the update includes the January 2025 Android security patch to bolster defenses against potential threats.

    For those curious about the OnePlus 12R, you can refer to our review from last year. This 5G smartphone, which includes a Hasselblad camera system, is available for purchase from OnePlus for approximately $600.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Windows 11 Introduces Colored Battery Icons for Easy Battery Info

    Windows 11 Introduces Colored Battery Icons for Easy Battery Info

    Microsoft has introduced a fresh Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, bringing some cool and much-needed updates to the battery icon. These adjustments aim to give users clearer insights into their device’s battery status with just a quick look.

    New Features in Build 26120.3000

    Among the highlights of this new build — Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3000 (KB5050103) — is the addition of colored icons. Currently, the battery icon on Windows 11 systems, including gaming handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go (currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon), appears in either black or white, depending on the light or dark theme selection. The latest update will allow the battery icon to show in three colors: black, yellow, or green based on its condition.

    Understanding the Color Codes

    When the icon turns green, Microsoft indicates that the PC is charging and functioning well. A yellow icon signifies that the device is in energy-saving mode, while a red battery icon means the battery is running critically low and should be plugged in without delay.

    Microsoft has mentioned that these new colored battery icons will be visible not only on the taskbar in the system tray but also in the Quick Settings menu and in the Settings app. They plan to roll out the icons for the lock screen in future updates.

    Additional Updates and Features

    Apart from the colored battery icons, this build introduces support for displaying battery percentage directly on the taskbar. Users can enable this feature through Settings. Once turned on, the battery percentage will show up right next to the battery icon. This addition is particularly beneficial since users previously had to hover over the icon or click it to see the battery percentage in the Quick Settings.

    Another minor tweak is the repositioning of the lightning bolt icon that appears when the PC is connected to a power source. In the images released by Microsoft, this lightning symbol is now centered on the battery icon, rather than being on the left side.

    Microsoft notes that these new features are being rolled out slowly to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, meaning that not everyone will have access to it right away. This gradual rollout allows the company to gather user feedback before wider distribution.

    Source:
    Link

    Windows 11 Introduces Colored Battery Icons for Easy Battery InfoWindows 11 Introduces Colored Battery Icons for Easy Battery Info

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Subaru Software Vulnerability Gives Hackers Full Vehicle Access

    Subaru Software Vulnerability Gives Hackers Full Vehicle Access

    As the automotive sector becomes increasingly advanced and interconnected, the risks associated with security weaknesses are on the rise. A recent report highlights how exposed connected vehicles can be.

    Discovery of Vulnerabilities

    A security researcher named Sam Curry has shared a blog post explaining how he and a partner, Shubham Shah, managed to breach the Starlink software system utilized by Subaru vehicles. Starlink is responsible for the infotainment system in Subaru cars, providing functionalities like remotely locking or unlocking the car and even starting it from a distance.

    Curry noted that a flaw in the Subaru employee login page for the Starlink system enabled him to discover a valid employee email, reset the employee’s password, and bypass any two-factor authentication measures to access the system.

    Accessing Sensitive Information

    Upon gaining entry into the Starlink system, Curry found he could track any registered Subaru vehicle using various identifiers: customer name, phone number, email address, or vehicle identification number (VIN). (It’s important to mention that VINs are easily obtainable through a license plate.) After locating a vehicle, a wealth of information was available for the taking, including billing details, emergency contacts, and much more.

    The personal data was not only accessible but also included the vehicle’s location history for the past year, which, according to Curry, was straightforward to download and visualize. This data comprised time stamps, the car’s odometer reading, and GPS coordinates with a precision of about 15 feet or 5 meters.

    Alarming Control Capabilities

    What’s particularly concerning is that Curry was able to find a friend’s car within the database and add his own credentials as an authorized Starlink user for that vehicle. Once granted access, he could control the vehicle remotely, unlocking and locking it, starting it from afar, and pinpointing its location. The original Starlink user received no alerts about the new user being added to their vehicle’s Starlink account.

    Fortunately, Subaru seems to have addressed the security flaw, which was identified by Curry in November 2024. The automaker acted commendably, deploying a patch within 24 hours of Curry’s report. This incident underscores the reality that, despite the intelligence of our vehicles, they remain susceptible to thieves and other malicious entities.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Philips Hue Update: New Automation Features and Foldable Support

    Philips Hue Update: New Automation Features and Foldable Support

    The Philips Hue app has received an update to version 5.34, and it is now ready for both iOS and Android users. Nonetheless, there are some differences between the two platforms this time around.

    New Feature Announcement

    The change log for both versions highlights the introduction of a new feature called Arming schedule Automation. This function was noticed shortly after the last update, version 5.33. Initially, it was locked and not included in the previous release notes. Users quickly reported that this feature was accessible a few days later, but this marks the first official word from Philips Hue about it.

    Functionality of Arming Schedule Automation

    The Arming schedule Automation gives you the ability to set specific times for your Hue Secure devices, such as the Battery Camera (curr. $179.99 at Amazon), to turn on or off. You can find this tool in the Automations Tab, located towards the bottom of the list after clicking the ‘+’ icon. Users can choose from up to eight time slots while being able to customize each day of the week individually and set up multiple schedules.

    Updates for Android Users

    Philips Hue also notes a new split view for foldable phones in the change log for the Android app. The company claims this feature allows users to see more controls simultaneously. You can get the Philips Hue app version 5.34 by downloading it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

    Source:
    Link

    Philips Hue Update: New Automation Features and Foldable Support

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Android 16 Public Beta Now Available for Pixel 9 Pro and More

    Android 16 Public Beta Now Available for Pixel 9 Pro and More

    Google has launched the initial public beta version of Android 16 today, just two months after the developer beta was released in November. If you own a Google smartphone from the Pixel 6, 7, 8, or 9 series (starting at $649 on Amazon), you can now register for the beta program and get an early look at the upcoming major operating system update. The beta is also accessible for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

    Important Considerations Before Installing

    As is typical with beta software, there may be some bugs present, so it’s advised to make a comprehensive backup of all your data prior to installing the Android 16 update. Additionally, it might not be wise to put this update on your main device or daily use phone. This first beta release mostly brings a handful of new features as Google concentrates on the technical foundations of the new Android version. More substantial updates and key features are expected to be revealed in the weeks leading up to the official release.

    Release Timeline and New Features

    Per Google’s revised schedule, the arrival of Android 16 is planned for the second quarter of 2025, which indicates that the update should be rolled out by the end of June. The first public beta includes live notifications, which are akin to those found on iPhones, and are updated in real-time to display the latest football scores or the estimated arrival time of an Uber, for example.

    In Android 16, applications must function in both portrait and landscape orientations and automatically adapt to the layout of larger screens typical of foldable smartphones and tablets. Applications that show unsightly black bars on the sides are no longer allowed. Android 16 also introduces support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, enabling the rendering of nearly lossless 10-bit videos at data rates reaching up to 2 Gbps.

    Google’s new operating system continues to evolve, promising a more refined experience for users in the future.

    Source:
    Link

    Android 16 Public Beta Now Available for Pixel 9 Pro and MoreAndroid 16 Public Beta Now Available for Pixel 9 Pro and More
    Tags: , ,
  • Amap Launches First English Map in China for Foreign Tourists

    Amap Launches First English Map in China for Foreign Tourists

    Amap, a major navigation app in China, has just launched its first map in English aimed at users from abroad. This significant step is designed to make it easier for non-Chinese speakers to navigate around China, marking a notable change for the country’s tourism sector. Presently, this English version of the map is still in the beta testing stage and is only available to foreign users currently in China.

    Limitations of the Beta Phase and Challenges for Users

    Even though the English map has been announced, it’s not fully operational yet. For users with iOS devices, the app contains a language setting option, yet the English choice is still inactive, displaying the message: “The system is not supported yet.” Amap has stated that this feature is in the process of being improved and will gradually be available after the testing phase. Additionally, the versions of the app found on Google Play and the App Store default to Chinese, which adds more difficulty for international users during this initial phase.

    Amap’s Features Beyond Navigation

    Amap offers much more than just maps. With a record of 280 million daily active users during the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival, the platform provides real-time traffic information, locations for electric vehicle charging stations, the ability to reserve tables at restaurants, and assistance for holiday travel. Its connection with Alibaba’s ecosystem, which includes platforms like Alipay, Fliggy, Ele.me, and Koubei, makes it a comprehensive solution for those searching for local services, food delivery, travel advice, and hotel reservations.

    A New Era for Tourism in China

    The launch of the English map is expected to transform tourism within China. By closing the language gap, Amap aims to make travel easier for foreign tourists, improving their overall journey. This initiative is in line with China’s strategy to welcome international visitors and portrays the country as a more approachable and inviting place for tourists.

    As the English map evolves, Amap is creating a future where language obstacles do not limit exploration in China. With its smooth integration of navigation and local services, the platform is set to become an essential resource for global travelers, changing the way people navigate through China.

    Tags: , ,